Title: Influence of tool sharpness on the thermal and mechanical phenomena generated during machining operations

Authors: Jose C. Outeiro

Addresses: Portuguese Catholic University, Rua Mendes Pinheiro, 24, Figueira da Foz 3080-032, Portugal

Abstract: Although the definition of the cutting tool edge radius is self-evident, its influence on the cutting process is ambiguous. Therefore, a certain qualitative assessment criterion should be developed to classify the cutting edge as to be sharp or rounded in the modelling of the cutting process. It is particularly important because carbide insert manufacturers supply the same product with different radii of the cutting edge. This paper quantifies the importance of the cutting edge radius. It considers the ratio of the cutting edge radius and the uncut chip thickness as the Relative Tool Sharpness (RTS) of the cutting edge. The influence of RTS on the cutting process was analysed analytically and experimentally. This paper discusses the influence of RTS on the energy flows in the metal cutting system and the energy balance of this system.

Keywords: metal cutting; cutting edge radius; tool sharpness; modelling; chip thickness; energy flows; energy balance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMM.2007.015474

International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials, 2007 Vol.2 No.3/4, pp.413 - 432

Published online: 19 Oct 2007 *

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